TotallyOz

A father is standing trial in Queensland, Australia, for allegedly forcing his 14-year-old son to sleep with a prostitute because he thought the boy was gay. According to the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, the alleged incident happened in 2007 at a family barbecue. The father, who cannot be named, was said to have phoned a sex worker and arranged to meet her at a motel on Yaamba Road, North Rockhampton. He waited outside the motel room after telling his son he expected to see a used condom as proof he had sex, Rockhampton magistrates court heard. The alleged offences came to light after the father called the Child Protection Investigation Unit in May 2008. The police officer who answered his call said he claimed authorities had not acted on his suspicions the boy was abusing his younger brother and admitted he had taken the 14-year-old to see a prostitute to sort the situation out. The boy's mother said her son had tearfully told her his father had taken him to see a prostitute but wouldn't say any more. Magistrates said there was enough evidence to charge him with the rape of his son. The case will be heard in a higher court next year. http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/24/father-forced-gay-son-to-have-sex-with-a-prostitute/

The global gay rights movement was yesterday celebrating the passage of a bill in the Mexico City legislature legalising gay marriage, making the huge and overwhelmingly Catholic megalopolis the first territory anywhere in Latin America to put same-sex couples on the same standing as heterosexuals. The law, which is likely to be signed soon by the city's increasingly high-profile leftist Mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, was passed by a vote of 39 votes to 20 in the city assembly on Monday to loud chants from supporters in the galleries of "Yes, We could. Yes, we could" – words that will become "We do" for some couples early in the new year. It was a victory not just for gay rights activists in Mexico and across Latin America but also for the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) which has controlled government of the sprawling Mexican capital since 1997. The bill was opposed by members of President Felipe Calderon's National Action Party (PAN), which holds power nationally. Party officials have already vowed to challenge the new city law in the Supreme Court. As in many – though not all – parts of the world, calls for marriage rights for gays and lesbians have begun to resonate more loudly in Latin America. Civil unions, which fall some way short of outright marriage, have been available to same-sex couples in Mexico City for some years as they are in all of Uruguay, Ecuador and Colombia. Debate on the issue is raging in Argentina meanwhile. Same-sex civil unions were approved in Buenos Aires a full seven years ago. Now, however, the country is awaiting a ruling from the national Supreme Court on the marriage of two men after a lower court judge declared that the government's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional. The couple had planned to marry late last month before the wedding was blocked. Video: Mexico City allows gay marriages Mexico City, which passed its law in the face of fierce opposition not just from the top ranks of the Catholic Church, joins the seven countries and five US states that offer full marriage rights to gays. Canada, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium permit gay marriage as well as Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire in the US. (New Hampshire's law comes into effect in 2010). But while gay rights advocates around the world were toasting Mexico City, none could ignore the sobering counterpoint from another continent, Africa, and specifically Uganda where parliament seems poised to pass a law not only criminalising homosexuality but threatening the death penalty in certain circumstances, for instance if one of the parties is HIV-positive or is under 18 years of age. A law conferring same-sex marriage rights was passed this month by Washington DC. The city's Mayor, Adrian Fenty, signed it into law last week. Otherwise, however, the year 2009 has been one mostly of disappointment for the gay rights movement in the US. Lawmakers in Maine signed gay marriage into law only to see it overturned by a popular ballot in November. And efforts to push gay marriage through the New York state legislature ended in failure. For Mayor Ebrard signing the marriage law holds some risk. Regarded as a strong steward of the capital – the population of greater Mexico City exceeds 21 million – he may be positioning himself to run for the Mexican presidency in three years' time. While recent polls showed that residents of the capital were evenly split over gay marriage, the rest of the country remains far more socially conservative and will look askance at the law. For same-sex couples who witnessed the vote on Monday, it was a moment of pure celebration, however. "This is wonderful," commented Judith Vasquez, a gay rights activist. "Gay couples have effectively been together for years, decades, centuries. But now it is our right." The vote changed the definition of marriage in the city's civil code from being between a man and a woman to the "free uniting of two people". "For centuries, unjust laws prohibited marriage between whites and blacks or Europeans and [indigenous] Indians," declared PRD representative Victor Romo who voted for the law. "Today all those barriers have come down." http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/victory-for-gay-rights-in-mexicos-catholic-stronghold-1848123.html

I will be in town for most of the holidays and hope that there is something to do to get out of the house. Any suggestions? Anyone know of any special events?

I have a few tats an I really like them. As I have said here before, I really get turned on by a guy with a nice tattoo. I am not young anymore and the older I get, the more I seem to want to get more of these things. Just out of curiosity, does anyone here have one? Do you think that age plays a part in tats as the younger generation seems to be more likely to have many of them?

I have a friend who has been up for 4 days and no sleep. To me that sounds impossible. I can go a night without it but will need a nap the next day. How long is it possible to go totally without sleep?

I am looking forward to this movie. I have always really liked both guys and can't wait to see them in action. I saw Brothers tonight and was not impressed with it at all. I wish I have saved my money. On the other hand, I saw Avaitor and loved it. It was LONG and a bit boring at times but was really glad I saw it.

I am sure many in LOS love the new movies that come out. What do you plan to see this year? I loved Avatar and Up in the Air. Both were amazing. I don't know if Precious came to Thailand yet but if you get a chance to see this picture, it is an incredible piece of acting and directing. I would recommend all 3. For the Thai boy, take him to see Ninja Assassins. My BF loved it!

When you are in Thailand, I think most try to eat the Thai food most of the time. When you get a craving for Fast Food, where do you go? What is your favorite Fast Food Place in LOS?

I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season and a fantastic New Year! I wish I was in Thailand to celebrate with friends and loved ones. To all a great and fantastic New Year!

Thanks for the GREAT report. Much appreciated. The reason Heinz makes so many varieties is that everyone likes something different. I love LaGoa. I have always had luck there and actually met 3 boys there that I am still in contact with. It does have attitude and I have spent many a day there like you and did not take one guy. At 117 in Rio, I usually take about 3 or more. So, yes overall I don't get the same number as I get in Rio. But, I enjoy it all the same. I don't like the lay out of LaGoa either but I am looking forward to seeing your place in PA. TomCal, thanks so much for this great info! You are the best!

I saw a lot of myself in this movie. I also thought they did a great job at picking George Clooney to play me. The producers had first suggested Tom Cruise, but I said that George would be better. I did think the movie was amazing and really surprised me many times. It is rare for a movie to surprise me but this one did. Well written, well acted, well done! This is a must see over the holidays.

Researchers have discovered casual sex among young adults is not associated with harmful psychological outcomes as compared to sexually active young adults in more committed relationships. Naturally, the physical risks of casual sex should always be addressed. Marla E. Eisenberg, Sc.D., M.P.H., of the University of Minnesota Medical School, and colleagues used data from an ongoing study that assessed a diverse sample of 1,311 sexually active young adults. From 2003-2004, 574 males and 737 females in Minnesota with a mean age of 20.5 were surveyed regarding sexual behaviors and emotional well-being. Of the sexually active respondents, 55 percent reported that their last sexual partner was an exclusive dating partner followed by 25 percent whose most recent partner was a fiancé/e, spouse, or life partner. 12 percent reported their last sexual partner was a close but not exclusive partner and 8 percent stated their last encounter was with a casual acquaintance. Over twice as many males as females reported that their last partner was casual (i.e. , either a “casual acquaintance” or “close but not exclusive partner”). Although there has been speculation in public discourse that sexual encounters outside a committed romantic relationship may be emotionally damaging for young people, this study found no differences in the psychological well-being of young adults who had a casual sexual partner verses a more committed partner. “While the findings from this study show that young adults engaging in casual sexual encounters do not appear to be at increased risk for harmful psychological outcomes compared to those in more committed relationships, this should not minimize the legitimate threats to physical well-being associated with casual sexual relationships, and the need for such messages in sexuality education programs and other interventions with young adults,” Eisenberg said. Source: University of Minnesota http://psychcentral....mful/10071.html

Anyone been there yet? Like it? I am looking forward to it on my next stay!

As high season approaches, do those of you that live there see a significant change in the number of tourists? Boys in the bars? I love high season and the crowds. I have prior commitments this winter and will be in Southern Cali for most of the next few months. But, I would love an update on what those of you that are there see.

In the grand scheme of things I wonder how important college is to a young Thai male? I know it often depends on their history, family, etc. My BF of almost 7 years is finishing high school. He is 25 and now ready for college. Naturally I want him to go and it is VERY important to me. But, even though I have laid out his options of schools, or even no schools and doing a trade, he says he wants to go to school in Thailand. This makes sense to me as his family is there. I did offer to bring him to the USA to study and that way I would be able to see him more. Sure, an upside for me and maybe a down one for him. But, I thought the prospect of an American education would be something that would take his life even further. I don't really know the way things work in Thailand and I have left it up to him to take the tests and get into school. I hope this is a direction he wants. I do often wonder if he goes only to please me even though he has said this is really what he wants for his life. The money I would save from sending him to school would help him to open a business. But, he assure me this is what he now wants. At 25, he will be almost 30 when he finishes college. Will that hinder his prospects of a good job? Will the fact that he went to Sunday school as opposed to graduating from a regular high school make him loose face with his classmates? Is there anything I can do to help him get into school there? He has chosen a private University in Bangkok and that is fine for me. I just worry that he won't be able to keep up with the rich kids who have a much better education than he does. He has made me very proud to work as hard as he has to get to where he is. I am very proud of him and only want him to succeed in whatever choices he makes.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-50-best-protest-signs-of-2009

I have been told not to give up that I'll get better at sex the more I try. Here is a lady who got the same message: A South Korean woman is celebrating after passing the written exam for a driving licence - on her 950th attempt. After four years of trying, 68-year-old Cha Sa-soon finally managed to secure the 60 out of 100 points needed to pass the test. The grandmother has spent more than 5m won ($4,200, £2,600) on application fees for the test. Now Mrs Cha, who lives in Jeonju, 130 miles (210km) south of Seoul, must pass the practical test to get on the road. 'Don't give up' According to the Korean Driver's Licence Agency, the 50-minute written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions on road regulations and car maintenance. Mrs Cha had been trying to pass it since 13 April 2005, the Korea Times reported. She wanted a licence so that she could use a vehicle to sell vegetables and other goods, the newspaper said. And her determination to pass the test has made her well-known at the Jeonju centre. "She is really famous here. Not only agency employees but even some test-takers know her. Her challenging spirit is really amazing," one official was quoted as saying. Speaking in February - after her 775th failure - Mrs Cha had appeared undaunted. "I believe you can achieve your goal if you persistently pursue it," she told Reuters news agency. "So don't give up your dream, like me. Be strong and do your best." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8347164.stm

That is right. Here is another one I like.

The above is one of my favorite flash mobs. Here are 2 more.

I am excited about Google's Chrome. This is my first post with the browser. It seems great so far and sites seem to load much faster with Chrome. Anyone else using this yet?

Coming out in Hollywood not always easy CNN) -- Meredith Baxter's recent revelation that she is a lesbian resonates with other celebrities who have been forced to discuss their sexuality publicly after gossip and tabloid speculation put a spotlight on the issue. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres used her trademark comedy to reveal herself as a lesbian back in 1997, and Neil Patrick Harris, who played a teen doctor on the television show "Doogie Howser, M.D." 20 years ago, told People magazine in 2006 that he is a "content gay man." Before the interview, Harris' sexual orientation was the subject of widespread speculation. Baxter's publicist Howard Bragman explains that the time was right for the actress to come out -- even though she had been dating women for several years. Bragman has been shepherding gay celebrities out of the closet since Dick Sargent, who played Darrin Stephens, the beleaguered husband on "Bewitched," came out in 1991. Recently, when asked by the National Enquirer whether she was gay, Baxter decided to make the media rounds. She agreed to interviews with NBC's "Today," Sirius XM Radio's "The Frank DeCaro Show" and The Advocate. "When a celebrity is being chased by the tabloids, you want to own the story, instead of have the story own you," Bragman says. And of course, by telling her story on her terms, Baxter can harness the publicity. Bragman -- author of the book "Where's My 15 Minutes?", which includes a chapter devoted to coming out -- says that Baxter will have a book of her own to promote soon. Bragman says the biography, which Baxter is working on now, should hit stores in the next year or so. Many actors are wary of whether the public will embrace their real identity or whether the revelation could restrict the roles they are offered. British actor Rupert Everett recently told the British newspaper The Observer that he "would not advise any actor necessarily, if he was really thinking of his career, to come out." For some actors, that decision is made for them. Danny Pintauro, who played the lovable little brother on "Who's the Boss?" for eight seasons, says the National Enquirer broke the story of his homosexuality while he was an undergraduate at Stanford University more than 10 years ago. He agreed to be interviewed for the article and is philosophical about the incident. "If it hadn't been the Enquirer, it would have been something else," he says. "I was actually glad it had happened." Pintauro says that the revelation did not hurt his acting career, which he resumed after graduating from Stanford, but it did have an impact. "Everyone in the country knew I was gay, so the attempt to play someone straight was hard," he remembers. "And I wasn't sure I wanted to. I was very comfortable being gay." Now, he works as an assistant at the talent agency APA (Agency for the Performing Arts) in Los Angeles. He still acts occasionally and will appear in an upcoming episode of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" on ABC Family. Confirming rumors about his sexuality has not seemed to derail Harris' career. He stars in the long-running CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother" as a womanizing bank executive and hosted the Emmys in September. Mitchell Anderson, who played gay violin teacher Ross Werkman on the 1990s drama "Party of Five," says he appreciates having more homosexual actors, such as Harris, in the public eye. His decision to come out as a gay man in 1996 was spontaneous, and, he points out, a rarity at the time. Ellen DeGeneres didn't make her landmark announcement until the following year. Still, Anderson says, "I believe it helped me as an actor. I don't think my career suffered at all." He said that the ability to be honest about being gay allowed him to improve his work, and to help develop a story line in which his character adopted a child. Bragman says we will hear more announcements like Baxter's in the coming years -- and to expect them from big stars. "We live in a very transparent society," he says. "There is no such thing as a secret anymore." http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/12/04/celebs.coming.out/index.html

The network has canceled yet another of his performances. Sad. I think much more is made out of his performance than should be. Fuck ABC!

I was not happy with his statement as I firmly believe the more that come out the better it is for all of us. That being said, I realize it is hard for young actors and their careers are affected. I am not sure I'd be able to come out if I were in that business.